Editor’s Disclaimer: The track order of the advance copy we received for this record differs from the actual track order of the final release.
Pop-punk pioneers The Used, 2023 album Toxic Positivity was described by lead singer Bert McCracken, as a “day-in-the-life journey of a depressed, anxiety-ridden person. It was a heavy album filled with topics of addiction and depression. Written over two sessions in 2022-2023 with longtime collaborator/producer John Feldmann (Goldfinger), ten songs not included on Toxic Positivity are being released as a stand-alone album entitled MEDZ, June 21 via Big Noise records. Two singles, People R Vomit and Fuck U, were released prior to Toxic Positivity, but did not make it on the final album. Ultimately they find a home here, along with 8 other never-before-heard songs.
While for most bands, an album of B-Sides could feel like a collection of throw-away songs, fortunately that is not the case with MEDZ. It plays more like a manic stream of consciousness, as Bert tries to fight thru his mental health struggles. The band’s trademark post-hardcore sound with pop sensibilities are on full display here, creating a diverse album that is nothing if not captivating.
MEDZ starts off strong with the catchy ballad, Before I Leave, which sounds more like a mid 00’s Panic! At The Disco record, than what we have come to expect from The Used. Things quickly take a darker turn, with the aptly titled Depression Personified. McCracken’s dynamic vocal range is present here, as he screams the haunting chorus “I’m coming to find you/ there’s nowhere to hide now/as soon as I find you,I can’t wait/I’m going to kill you” Think Eminem’s 2000 killer love song Kim, but screamo.
The next two tracks lighten things up a bit. The aforementioned previously released Fuck U and the title track MEDZ, are both more straightforward, pop-punk songs, that provide some much needed levity midway thru the album. The anthemic Pain Is My Therapy, with the lyrics “I can’t get up/I can’t get up/I won’t stay down”, show that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
The other previous single People R Vomit, is the one political song on MEDZ. Rather than drawing a line in the sand, McCracken points out that “This world’s disgusting/People R Vomit/Is this what you wanted/Is this what you need?” Next is the brilliantly titled Sisyphus, a sing-along anthem for those of us in the constant struggle of fighting an uphill battle. If you’re unfamiliar with the Greek mythology of Sisyphus, he was a king who killed visitors to show off his power. The gods ended up punishing him by forcing him to push a massive boulder uphill, which ultimately rolled back down every time he got to the top, for all of eternity. I think we can all relate in one form or another.
Out of left field comes the sticky sweet Take Yourself Out, which is not only my favorite song on MEDZ, it might be my favorite track of the year so far. Bold statement I realize, but this is pure pop bliss. A sort of ¾ waltz with a bit of Gypsy Kings inspired flamenco thrown in, Take Yourself Out is the most feel-good song on the record, and guaranteed to get stuck in your head.
The positivity continues as we start to wind down the album with another catchy pop song, Tell Me. “Tell Me, Tell Me, Tell Me, Tell Me/Could it ever get better than this?” I don’t think so Bert. It’s pretty damn good. The fuzzy feelings don’t last forever though, as album closer Terrified reminds us that this is a man struggling with his emotional demons.
MEDZ is a great companion piece to Toxic Positivity, yet it also stands on its own as a great record. There’s a little something for everyone here. A little more pop oriented at times than people may expect from The Used, this may be a sign of things to come. Bert’s upcoming solo project dubbed robbietheused, promises to be McCracken’s creative outlet for pop music. I’m extremely intrigued and excited to hear what comes next.
Rating: 7.8/10
Release Date: 6/21/24
Track Listing
- MEDZ
- Fuck You
- People Are Vomit
- Sisyphus
- Depression Personified
- Terrified
- Before I Leave
- Take Yourself Out
- Tell Me
- Pain Is My Therapy
Reviewed by Jeremy Schmidt
The Scope of 